When signing a rental contract on a property, many landlords wonder if they should sign a one year lease or a multiple year lease. Most landlords want a long-term, reliable resident who pays rent on time and takes care of the property. But, signing a long-term lease may not be the best way to achieve that goal. [Read more…]

Owners often ask how often should they perform a rental property walk through. My answer is always – as often as needed. The more practical answer is – at least three times a year. I encourage owners to visit their properties as often as needed. This is an investment, and you want to see it. Use lease renewals, maintenance request, after storms, or any reasons that you feel necessary to view your investment.

Laws will dictate what you can use the deposit for, and how quickly you need to return it to your tenants. However, the amount of security deposit that you charge is up to you. If you’re wondering what the amount should be, the answer is – we don’t know yet. You won’t know until the application has been completed and reviewed. [Read more…]

Seventy-three percent of Americans own either a dog or a cat. It’s a large percentage of the population that has pets, and many of them are looking for homes. You need to have a pet policy in place if you decide to allow pets. This is critical to managing your business. [Read more…]